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Seattle is known for its music scene, love of coffee, and abundance of seafood. There's no shortage of places to go when you're looking for a good meal. From a quick bite of chowder to a fancier sit down restaurant, here are some of the best places in Seattle to get seafood when you're craving it. Pike Place Chowder Tucked in Post Alley, Pike Place Chowder is considered the best place by many locals when it comes to chowder. Each day they offer a fresh selection of different types of chowder, including their award-winning smoked salmon chowder, crab and oyster chowder, seared scallop chowder, and seafood bisque. They even have gluten-free and vegan chowder options. If you want something more, try their Dungeness crab roll or their Maine lobster roll. Allow time to come here and get your meal, as there's almost always a wait. more Elliot's Oyster House If you're looking for a nicer sit-down restaurant, you'll love Elliot's Oyster House. Located on Elliot Bay, you'll have beautiful views of passing ships as you eat your meal. Their most popular dish is the Alder-planked salmon that's seasoned with their house rub and served with oven-roasted potatoes and vegetables. Make sure to try their oysters, as they were rated the #1 oyster restaurant by Food and Wine magazine. All their oysters come straight from the oceans of the Pacific Northwest. In the summer you'll love sitting outside on their deck and enjoying the sunny weather. Ivar's Salmon House You'll see Ivar's all over the city as casual Fish Bars where you can quickly grab fish and chips to go. This is how the restaurant originally started back in the 1930s, but they've now expanded to more formal restaurants. At Ivar's Salmon House, try the fried Alaska cod, which is the same recipe they've had since they opened. They also have pan-fried oysters and halibut and chips. For something different, try their seafood cocktail or Penn Cove mussels to start your meal. For your entree, try the coho silver salmon or blackened rockfish tacos. Anthony's Homeport If you're looking to treat yourself, visit Anthony's Homeport. This is a great place to come to celebrate a special occasion, such as a birthday or an anniversary. Their menu always varies, as it depends on the chef's daily selection of fresh seafood. To start with, try the tempura asparagus or the baked Dungeness crab, shrimp, and artichoke dip. Popular choices for dinner are the roasted garlic crab, Alaska lingcod and chips, and mussels and chips. Their happy hour is every day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and a good way to try samplings of their food for less. You'll have no problem finding good seafood when you're in Seattle. From chowder to oysters to salmon, the options for seafood restaurants are endless in this city. Many restaurants are on the water and offer amazing views, so you can look right out over the water and admire where your seafood came from. Photo by LWYang | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Next time you're looking for a weekend getaway, why not consider a short trip to Canada? Seattle is the perfect departure point for your visit to British Columbia, and Victoria is probably the closest and perfect destination. It's a great city to visit, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. The following are good reasons to schedule a weekend getaway to Canada. Convenience It's easy to get to Victoria from Seattle, and one of the most popular ways to get there is by ferry or a cruise, which can take as little as three hours. Another exciting option is to travel via float plane, which only takes an hour. Both options offer gorgeous, scenic views. A car is not required in Victoria as you are able to walk everywhere. It's a compact town with everything in close proximity and lots to see while you walk. U.S. citizens don't need a passport when traveling by boat to Canada, which is quite handy. However, you will need some sort of picture identification and proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License or U.S. passport card. more Seasonal Visits The different seasons offer unique experiences to tourists, so any time of the year is good for a visit. Spring boasts an array of gorgeous flowers, encouraging residents to participate in the annual Flower Count in February. The city's many gardens are stunning and well worth a visit, not only in February but year round. Summer is sunny and mild; it's a good idea to pack your swimsuit to explore the rocky shores. Autumn ushers in the rainy season, so don't forget your umbrella, and the winter weather is temperate, allowing for most activities to continue as normal. The mild year-round climate allows for outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, and golfing. Great Things to Do Victoria has many eateries, museums, galleries, parks, and a lively downtown to explore. The 55-acre Butchart Gardens are a highlight, which can be visited at any time of the year with themed gardens that are not to be missed. Other great gardens and parks are Beacon Hill Park, which leads to the waterfront trail, and the tranquil Asian-inspired Abkhazi Garden. Don't miss the beautiful architecture of the British Columbia Parliament Building overlooking Inner Harbor. If you like beautiful buildings, other places to see are the Fairmont Empress Hotel and Old Town Victoria, which is fun to stroll around. For the more adventurous, whale watching tours are popular and exciting as you search for orcas and other sea creatures. Other outdoor activities to be enjoyed are sea kayaking, hiking, city bike tours, zip line adventure tours, fishing, sailing, and more. Whether you wish to go whale watching or pub hopping, garden viewing or gastronomy, Victoria is a perfect getaway destination from Seattle. Young and old, quiet or crazy, Victoria will have something to suit your needs. Plan your mode of transport, pack the right clothing for the season, and enjoy a great weekend getaway. Photo by Natalia Medd | Licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0

If you're planning your 2018 summer, you should definitely put a visit to Seattle on the list. Regardless of your interests, there's bound to be a festival in Seattle that'll interest you. To give you inspiration, here are four of the biggest festivals coming to Seattle in 2018. St. Jude Rock ‘n' Roll Seattle Marathon & 1/2 Marathon The 10th Seattle Marathon and 1/2 Marathon is part of the larger Rock 'n' Roll series of marathons held across the U.S. The weekend is designed for runners to experience the nature of the Emerald City on the loop courses. The 5k takes place on Saturday with the half and full marathons on Sunday. With the addition of the Remix Challenge, you can earn three medals for two days of running. The events are organized with a focus on music and community to encourage participants to feel like they're part of something bigger. Dates: June 9 - 10 Location: Both starting and finish lines are at the Seattle Center Cost: 5k $49.99, half marathon $99.99, and full marathon $119.99 more Bumbershoot Held on Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot is a cultural display of 2,500 visual and performing artists culminating in what Rolling Stone named one of America's five best festivals. Ever since the first edition of Bumbershoot in 1972, people have enjoyed live music, comedy, theater, dance, visual arts, and more. The goal of the event is to give an insight of what is current across various art forms unlike anything else in the world. Dates:  August 31 - September 2 Location: Seattle, WA Cost: GA passes start from $199 for a three-day pass Seattle International Film Festival 2018 The 44th annual Seattle International Film Festival holds several U.S. film festival records: longest running largest most highly attended Over 25 days there will be 400 films on display from producers representing 80 countries with an expected 155,000 attendees. Dates: May 17 - June 10 Location: Across Seattle. The three main cinemas are SIFF Film Center, SIFF Cinema Uptown, and SIFF Cinema Egyptian. Cost: Passes and packages start at $75 for non-members Seattle Pride Parade Pride Parades around the world have been gaining reputations as must-visit festivals for anyone supporting the LGBT community. The purpose of the Seattle Pride Parade is to: "Create unity, honor diversity, and achieve equal human rights throughout our region and the world." They make sure everyone is able to acknowledge the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future with the parade and a host of events around the Seattle area. The event is a non-profit event, meaning you can help out by volunteering or making a donation if that is an experience you're willing to try. Dates: June 24 Location: Starts at 4th Avenue & Union Street, running along Union before finishing at Denny Way. Cost: Viewing of the parade is free. Associated events may cost to enter. Seattle has dozens of festivals throughout the year. These are four of the biggest Seattle festivals you won't want to miss during the 2018 summer. Photo by Joe Mabel | Licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0

Looking for a great festival, concert, or fair to enjoy this May in Seattle? Be sure to mark your calendars for these events. Seattle International Film Festival Film lovers can't miss the Seattle International Film Festival. Every year over 150,000 people go to the festival making it the most attended film festival in the United States. This year will be the 44th annual film festival and will take place from May 17 to June 10. Over these four weeks, you can see over 400 films from 80 different countries. Festival passes and packages are now on sale with early bird pricing available until April 13. You can choose passes that allow you to see a set number of films or you can get packages that also include the opening and closing night galas. Debacle Fest The Debacle Fest is an annual music festival that is usually held at the Columbia City Theater. The festival showcases all types of music such as electronic, metal, techno, noise, drone, and synth. Last year's lineup included performances from Greg Kelley, Galaxy Research, Volcanic Pinnacles, Nordra as well as dozens more. The music festival is a one-day event that usually falls on the first Saturday of May and goes on well into the wee hours of the morning. This is great for couples and groups of friends who love live music. more Seattle Bike-n-Brews If you love riding bikes and drinking craft beers, why not combine the two into this fun May event? The Seattle Bike-n-Brews race goes along the Duwamish and Green River trails and takes in the Seattle city views throughout the journey. There are two route options for the race, one is 27 miles of flat, paved roads and the other is 37 miles and finishes at Odin Brewing. Your registration fee includes your race fee, lunch after the race, and two beer tickets, one for the midway point of the race and one for the end. You also get a Bike-n-Brew souvenir t-shirt once you complete the race. This year's event will take place Sunday, May 6. The race starts at 9 a.m., and you have until 3:30 p.m. to finish the course. Metropolitan Fashion Week Seattle Closing Gala This is the perfect event for fashion-lovers. It's an international fashion show that features exclusive designs by fashion and costume designers, so you'll be able to see some stunning and unique designs. The event is very formal, so men usually wear tuxes and women wear gowns, so if you enjoy dressing up, this is a great excuse. This year's event takes place at the Seattle Art Museum Saturday, May 5, and starts at 7:45 p.m. Depending on where you want to sit, tickets cost between $40 and $65. Whether you want to get out and enjoy the lovely spring weather or you're looking for an event where you can get all dressed up and enjoy a show, there are plenty of festivals, shows, and fun-runs to keep you busy this May in Seattle. Looking for a great festival, concert, or fair to enjoy this May in Seattle? Be sure to mark your calendars for these events. Image via Flickr Matthewjs007 used under CC BY 2.0 /cropped from original

Seattle might be known for its coffee, but it's also a pretty great city for craft beer. These are some of the best breweries in the city that you absolutely need to try. Rooftop Brewing Company The Rooftop Brew Co is a Seattle-based brewery that is also a bar. The brewery is located on West Nickerson Street in downtown Seattle and has a nice selection of beers that changes depending on what they're brewing at the time. They usually have at least 10 beers on tap as well as tons more in bottles that you can try. If you really love their beers, you can buy kegs for your next party with your favorite Rooftop Brewing Company beer in it. The brewery focuses solely on beer, so you won't be able to order food while you're here. Not to worry, though, instead of cooking for you, Rooftop Brewing Company invites local food trucks to park outside the restaurant most nights so that you can grab your food and bring it up to Rooftop to enjoy with your beers. Reuben's Brews Reuben's Brews is an award-winning small brewery where you can enjoy all types of craft beers. The founder and brewmaster, Adam, is originally from the U.K. and he's brought his taste for British ales to the Pacific Northwest. more They have four year-round beers that are always available on tap, an IPA, a pilsner, a gose, and a porter. For the rest of the year, they brew different seasonal beers like an Imperial pumpkin in September or a Breakfast stout in December. They don't serve food but have different food trucks outside the bar each night to choose from. You can find taco trucks, Korean food trucks, and barbecue trucks. If you don't see something you like, you can order a pizza to be delivered to the bar, too. Each night you can take part in a different event at the tap room. Bring your friends on Tuesdays for tacos and trivia night. Every Thursday, Reuben's chooses a different charity and $1 from every beer is donated to that charity. Urban Family Brewing Co The Urban Family Brewing Co is a small family-owned brewery in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle. They love creating new beers and flavor combinations. You'll probably never see the same beer twice when you visit, but you'll be sure to find a new beer to love each time. They have 16 taps with everything from guava beer to an Imperial porter. They also always have a different hard cider on tap for those that don't love beer. This is definitely the brewery to try if you enjoy unique beers. They use a lot of sour fruits in their beers like cranberries, blackberries, and nectarines. Similar to the other breweries on this list, they don't serve food but are more than happy for you to bring your own to the bar to enjoy with your beers. No matter what type of beer you're looking for, these three Seattle breweries will have something you're sure to love. Image via Flickr by Tama Leaver used under CC BY 2.0 /cropped from original

Located in Washington state, just 10 minutes from Sea-Tac Airport, you'll find the city of Burien, built from a century-old coastal village on Puget Sound. With two blocks of eateries starting at SW 152nd Street in downtown, take your taste buds on a journey to the most unusual and creative restaurants serving up distinctly Olde Burien cuisine. Burien Fish House Some locals say that the Burien Fish House is the best place for fish in South King County. Located at 133 SW 153rd St., the Fish House has quite the extensive seafood menu, with something for everyone. Try the Pirate's Trio, get reeled in by their version of crab macaroni and cheese, and enjoy house special sauces like jalapeño tartare that add a bit of heat to your sea fare. Get your land legs under you and head over to the Fish House Monday through Saturday until 8 p.m., but not on Sundays, because they're closed. Frankie's B-Town Bistro Frankie's Bistro is famous for its fresh, authentic Italian fare on a diverse and intriguing menu. Shrimp and grits, roasted beet carpaccio, and Grandma's secret faggioli are served to guests in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Have a seat on the outdoor patio or at a community table where you can meet new friends. Enjoy a taste of Italy on a romantic date or a fun girls night out. Located on 653 SW 152nd St., Frankie's is open daily from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., except Friday and Saturday, when they open at 4 p.m. They are closed Mondays. Elliott Bay Brewing Company Elliotts is a shining example of a warm and casual family-owned and friendly neighborhood pub. They feature locally sourced pub fare and organic, handcrafted ales brewed on-site at 255 SW 152nd St. Specialty sandwiches like pan-seared tofu and range-fed gourmet burgers, to the house favorite steamers demonstrate Elliot Bay's dedication to sustainability. Grab a brew and a bite to eat at Elliot's on weekdays until 11 p.m., Thursday through Saturday until midnight. and Sundays until 10 p.m. more 909 Coffee & Wine Come on in and meet new friends at Olde Burien's 909 Coffee & Wine, a relaxed gathering place for guests to enjoy a cup of locally roasted Caffé Umbria coffee and some good conversation. Seasonal menu items take advantage of only the freshest ingredients, and all pastries, soups, and dressings are made from scratch in-house. Visit 909 SW 152nd St. Monday through Saturday between 8 a.m. until close, and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Greek House Restaurant The Greeks are all about food, family and enjoying life, and that's the vibe you'll find at the Greek House Restaurant and Lounge. Oversized uniquely authentic house specialties include the braised lamb chop, lemon egg soup, and melt in your mouth calamari. Coming in for lunch? Try the Hero Gyro and their world-famous Greek Fries. You'll find the Greek House at 113 SW 153rd St. They're open for business every day except Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Next time you're in OldeBurien, partake in a bounty of unusual and creative meals, each bite more delicious than the last.   Image via Wikipedia Commons by Joe Mabel used under CC BY-SA 4.0 /cropped from original

Looking for some cool art scenes in Burien? Twenty years ago, the City of Burien committed to expanding its art program, and the results are outstanding. Here are six of our favorite area galleries, institutions, and outdoor displays that are a must-visit throughout the city. Burien Public Art Creative Walking Tour Explore your community in a whole new way when you take a walking tour of art. Start your journey of Burien's outdoor arts scene at the Community Center Annex with the skate park tiles. Tour 15 different locations all over the city like the Dancing Ghost in Dotty Happer Park to the Helios Pavilion in Town Square. The city of Burien is decorated in bold colors and a variety of materials like metal, glass, and concrete. Burien Arts Association Now in its 52nd year, Burien Arts Association's mission is to enrich the lives of residents through creative endeavors. Located at 826 SW 152nd St., the Association is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 7 p.m., and Sundays until 4 p.m. This group recently began debuting all-new pop-up art exhibits in the City Hall Lobby and the Burien Community Center, with the finest in arts programming on display for you to experience. Phillip Levine Sculptor Delightful artisan Phillip Levine works primarily in bronze, creating figurative sculptures with a humanist nature. After earning his degree in art from the University of Colorado, Phillip has completed over 50 public and private art commissions displayed in numerous museums and gallery exhibitions around the Pacific Northwest, especially in Burien. more Scarlet Ibis Gallery From greeting cards and affordable prints to signed works by internationally-known artists, discover something unique at Scarlet Ibis Gallery. This gallery shows the works of local artists and pieces from creatives all over the world, with a commitment to bringing smart and exciting artwork to Burien. Located inside of Phoenix Tea at 447 SW 52nd St., the gallery is open Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday until 8 p.m., and Friday noon to 6 p.m. Highline Performing Arts Center The Highline Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art theater with seating for 800 spectators. Operated by Burien's Highline Public Schools, the Performing Center is also home to the Miss Washington pageant. Located at 401 South 152nd St., this centers lets you take in a performance from the Northwest Symphony Orchestra and enjoy comfortable seating and excellent acoustics. Dream Catcher Statue Prominently displayed at Leschi Park on the corner of 32nd Avenue and Yesler in Seattle, just a half hour from Burien, is a tribute to Bernie Whitebear and his sister Luana Reyes, who devoted their lives to Indian Civil Rights and the preservation of their culture. The Dream Catcher statue was commissioned to replace the deteriorating Native American Thunderbird. The statue was unveiled through an awe-inspiring traditional Native American dedication ceremony. Local Ojibwa Indians believe that only good dreams are allowed to filter through, while bad dreams are caught in the net. From a live performance to a leisurely stroll through a town adorned by artists, Burien has so much to offer when it comes to art. Image via Flickr by orcmid used under CC BY 2.0